And that brings me to my only major complaint. In a vehicle that has improved in every respect over the outgoing model, why has its

In a vehicle that has improved in every respect over the outgoing model, why has its interior plastics quality gone downhill? This is made all the more apparent because the faux woodgrain is nice, and the switchgear fabulous, but the dash plastics are way below that offered in the 2004 model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

interior plastics quality gone downhill? It's most noticeable on the dash, where in the 2004 model a rich, soft-touch, foam-backed leather-like plastic compliments a nicely appointed interior. Despite the new model's interior design being much more attractive, and all of its switchgear and trim improved, the upper and lower dash is comprised of hard, hollow plastic that doesn't befit a vehicle that approaches $55K when fully decked out. And to tell you the truth, such shortsightedness really upsets me. All it would take is another $100 or $200 per vehicle to get it right, and the new Grand Cherokee would be just about perfect. Unfortunately the beancounters at DCX won the cheap plastic argument and now Jeep runs the risk of turning off its wealthy, and subsequently, extremely picky clientele. Big mistake in my opinion. The rest of the car, however, is nothing short of superb. While styling has changed, with a more traditional Jeep-like corporate face that integrates a taller grille and quad circular-style headlamp clusters, angular taillights, and thicker C- and D-pillars that make its stance appear sturdier on the road, no one

While its styling has changed, nobody shopping in the SUV market will find it difficult to distinguish the 2005 model as anything but a Grand Cherokee. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

even slightly tuned into the SUV market will find it difficult to distinguish the 2005 model as anything else but a Grand Cherokee. I also like the fact that despite the many 6- and 7-passenger competitors that are vying for Canadian consumers' attention, Jeep is sticking to the 5-occupant layout and accompanying on- and off-road handling benefits, attributes that have made the Grand Cherokee one of the top sellers in the luxury SUV class year in and year out. To satisfy the growing 7-passenger SUV market Jeep will follow up the 2005 GC introduction with an all-new 7-occupant SUV dubbed Commander next year, based on the same architecture.